PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – So much said about how the Steelers will adapt to their new offense. How can they learn what appears to be a completely new scheme. Turns out Matt Canada isn't 'a my way or the highway guy', at least according to quarterback Mason Rudolph.
"He's very big on we are going to run what the players are good at," Rudolph said. "He's asked the quarterbacks to give him a menu of plays that you like. He really does a great job of scripting things we like to run. We appreciate that as a quarterback."
We heard back in voluntary organized team activities, Ben Roethlisberger say Canada already took out plays out that he didn't like. Canada says it's the 'easiest offense in America' and Ben and the others have worked hard to learn some of the changes.
"Having the familiarity with Matt, his style from last year carried over," Rudolph said. "There are some new things. A little bit of a learning curve in the spring, but I think everyone feels pretty comfortable with his style, his offense."
"Every day we give him feedback and he likes that. It's been a good relationship."
Rudolph says he sees improvement every day. The offense maturing and meshing well together. Often you see players getting in extra reps after practice.
Offensive line
So much rides on the offensive line and while Rudolph struggled at times being the primary starter in 2019, the line didn't help. The fourth year quarterback sees progress there in camp as well.
"Younger guys, but they are hungry," Rudolph said. "They have done a good job picking up the offense in the spring. A lot of the things that Matt does are going to help us in some of the inexperienced areas we have, getting guys in the right spots. We have guys that have starts under their belt, feel good about the group."
Are you the backup?
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has said repeatedly he has competition at all positions. Asked specifically about the back-up quarterback, Tomlin reiterated there is competition.
It was a no-brainer Rudolph would be the number two to Roethlisberger until January 21. The Steelers they decided to take a flier on released Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins. They signed the former number one pick to a one-year contract and an opportunity for him to put troubles in DC behind him.
It's been mixed reviews, but Haskins seems to be fitting in well and no doubt the strongest arm in the QB room.
"Every single day you come out here, football is all about competition," Rudolph said. "That's the beauty of the sport. When everyone is playing great, it raises the level of competition."
Coach Tomlin talks about iron sharpens iron all the time. We view it the same way. Coach Sullivan (QB Coach) has done a great job. It's great to have a quarterback coach who is detail oriented. We are trying to take it one-day-at-a-time and improve."
Rudolph and Haskins likely get their first shot to show that improvement, in a game setting, Thursday in Canton.
